In the world where Orion lives, there are many continents. On the continent where the Black Forest is located, in the far south near the sea, lies a kingdom called Utessar.
Ten thousand years ago, the Utessar people crossed over from another continent and arrived here. They opened a teleportation array, defeated the dragon Frostsire that inhabited these lands, and took possession of the most fertile region.
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From that mont on, this continent was renad "Utessar Continent," in honor of their arrival.
Now, within the royal palace of the Utessar Kingdom, a high-level secret eting was underway. Only three people were present: King Harold, Grand Duke Richard, and Grand Duke William.
"Your Graces," King Harold began slowly, as if recounting a piece of history—or perhaps rallying them to war. "According to what our forefathers instructed, the seal in the far north has already been lifted. Our Utessar Kingdom is about to face a full-scale war.
"Based on the old pact, no demigods will interfere in this conflict. Until the war ends, the dark beast tides will stay away. Ten thousand years ago, our ancestors drove the white dragon Frostsire to the far north. I believe we can do the sa now."
"Your Majesty, I understand that war is unavoidable," Grand Duke Richard replied. "But we should first clarify who our enemies really are. I doubt Frostsire is our only threat. The various races living up north have probably ford alliances by now. And what about the neighboring dwarves, the half-dragons, the rfolk, and the blood elves, with whom we've signed peace treaties? Will they end up among our enemies too?"
Those were the very tribes that, back then, allied themselves with the humans and helped the ancestors of the Utessar Kingdom seize these lush southern lands. But now that Dragon Frostsire was on the rise again, all existing relations were at risk, and old pacts could turn to dust.
"Your Majesty, no offense intended," Grand Duke William added, "but I believe Richard is right. Before the fighting starts, we should secure the allegiance of those friendly races. After all, they'll make excellent allies…and excellent cannon fodder, wouldn't you agree?"
Uniting with other species—using one nonhuman race to fight another—was the wisest plan. Even with the Utessar Kingdom's population in the hundreds of millions, the fewer of their own soldiers who died, the stronger the kingdom remained.
"I understand you both," Harold said. "I will, in the na of the crown, work to win over the other races with promises of certain benefits. However, so…special asures remain necessary. I trust you know what I an?"
Richard and William both nodded. Their own territories shared a destiny with the kingdom, making separation impossible.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty," said Grand Duke Richard. "The Golden Apple rchant Alliance will deliver desirable goods to the other races—and bring back the individuals crucial to your interests."
"As for the Holy Sword rcenary Corps," Grand Duke William added, "we'll spread the relevant missions and mobilize rcenaries, unifying them to carry out our will."
These three—King Harold, Grand Duke Richard (head of the kingdom's largest rchant alliance), and Grand Duke William (head of the main rcenary guild)—stood at the pinnacle of Utessar Kingdom's power.
"Then let's get started," the king said, "before the dark beast tides have fully receded."
…
Utopía, the capital of Utessar Kingdom.
In a bustling tavern filled with lively chatter, a knight in plain, unadorned attire stepped through the entrance. One could tell he was a knight only because of the sword on his belt and a suit of armor draped over him—armor so black it looked like coal.
Compared to the fashionable silver-white armor on the market these days, his coal-colored gear seed ancient and drab.
"Look, our coal knight's back again!"
"Haha, him? So knight he is!"
"Yeah, real knights take vows and receive a proper blessing, right?"
"Stop teasing him; you can see he's already embarrassed!"
"…"
His na was Galahad. Intent on ignoring the gossip, he walked straight to the bar counter.
"What can I get you, Sir?" asked a pretty barmaid, Isabella. Her tawny hair was half-pinned, revealing a subtle allure.
"I'm eting soone upstairs. Room number five."
Isabella froze for a second. She knew that the esteed knight in Room Five was none other than the famous Sir Arthur.
"Galahad, you sure about that?" she asked. They clearly knew each other and seed to be on good terms.
"Yes. Sir Arthur is waiting for ."
Isabella's expression showed a twinge of doubt, but she instinctively pointed Galahad to the stairs. Nodding his thanks, he offered a knightly salute, then made his way up to the second floor.
A minute later, in Room Five, Galahad slipped in and locked the door behind him. Inside was a long table heaped with dishes. At the table sat a knight in elegant garb, an apron-like napkin pinned over his chest. Clearly, he had removed most of his armor to sit and dine.
Seeing Galahad enter, the knight—Arthur—gave a welcoming gesture, then continued eating without pause.
Galahad didn't stand on ceremony. Having just finished a job, he was starved. It wasn't until half an hour later that both of them set down their utensils.
"My sword is in my heart," Arthur said, staring at Galahad. "I pledge allegiance to my sword…and my armor."
"I shall devote my soul and life to these," Galahad responded, eting Arthur's gaze. "My will, like my blade, will never break."
They locked eyes for a tiny mont before Arthur abruptly let out a hearty laugh.
"Humility, honor, sacrifice, valor, compassion, faith, honesty, and justice—the eight ancient chivalric virtues. You're the only one I've found so far.
"My ancestor gave
a sign: the kingdom's doom grows near, and we must unite again."
Galahad said nothing. He had no ancestral guidance—his father and grandfather had already died in battle, leaving him only the old knight's swordsmanship and code. He hadn't inherited any of the honors or glory.
"Maybe the others will co, maybe not," Arthur continued. "But I'll abide by the knight code. I'll help the people who need —and you, Galahad."
Galahad shook his head, then nodded.
"Why don't you tell
about that 'kingdom's doom'? Now that's sothing I'm interested in."
Arthur showed no displeasure. He simply sat at the table, speaking calmly, unhurriedly:
"Well, it all started with eight brave souls who dread of slaying a dragon…"
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